The VFR (Visual Flight Rules) require that we have 3SM (Statute Mile) visibility and a 1000ft cloud level before we can fly. And, well... we didn't get that this morning. If you look at the Title above, you can see a METAR for KHIO you will see:
1 1/2SM : 1.5 Statute Mile Visibility
RA BR BKN003: Rain, Mist, Broken Cloud Layer @ 300ft
Basically... no fly.
We did, however, get in 2.0 hrs of ground instruction in. While not as thrilling as flying, I need this time. Apparently it can be really ugly if all the flight training is done up front. Not only will you have to catch up with 35 hrs of ground time in a row, but you will most likely have to put in extra flight time at then end to brush up before your FAA test. So, every rainy, grey Oregon cloud has a silver lining.
In the interim, I asked my bro, Charlie to add something for me to Google's SMS toolset. You may already know that you can send SMS messages to GOOGLE (466453) with a bunch of keywords... and it will SMS you back the answer.
Since all pilots have to check the weather, how cool would it be to SMS Google with a metar khio and have it send you an SMS:
KHIO 151722Z 00000KT 1 1/2SM -RA BR BKN003 BKN030 OVC075 11/11 A2978 RMK AO2 P0002
Every pilot would use it!
Please Charlie! You OWE me.
2 comments:
Broken at 300 AGL would probably keep me on the ground too :)
There have been some occasions where the cloud deck was only a few hundred feet above me. This is legal for VFR helicopter operations in both class E (helos only) and G airspace (any aircraft). See 91.155 (b)(1), and 91.157 (which also has some exceptions for helicopters).
In time you'll develop personal minimums. I don't care all that much about low ceilings, but I care a great deal about visibility. My personal minimum is 3 miles, below that and you may not have a horizon, and worse, you might whack into a tower or something.
Speaking of which, here's one you can try on your CFI some time:
Many obstructions are charted with two altitudes, one above the other. The upper number tells you that if you fly at precisely that MSL altitude, you will just clip the obstruction. The number below that tells you how far you and the wreckage will fall to the ground :)
I feel your pain! We were going to fly the R44 up to the Poconos for lunch today. Both ends aren't too bad, but you have to go through Allentown:
KABE 171451Z 00000KT 3SM HZ OVC007 16/13 A3014 RMK AO2 SFC VIS 4 RAE01 SLP204 P0000 60000 T01610133 58002
KABE 171351Z 01003KT 3SM -RA BR OVC005 14/12 A3015 RMK AO2 RAB45 SLP211 P0000 T01390122
KABE 171251Z 05004KT 3SM BR OVC005 13/12 A3015 RMK AO2 RAE1156 SLP210 P0000 T01330117
KABE 171151Z 06005KT 4SM -RA BR OVC003 13/12 A3014 RMK AO2 RAB14 SLP206 P0000 60000 T01330117 10139 20122 56002
KABE 171142Z 08004KT 4SM -RA BR OVC003 13/11 A3014 RMK AO2 RAB14 P0000
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